FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10/14/2025

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Growing Number of Residents Agree: a YES Vote is the Responsible Choice for Hopewell Borough

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Hopewell Borough, N.J. – Council Member Debra Stuhler, former Council Member Samara McAuliffe and long-time Borough resident Sab Russo have joined a growing coalition of leaders — including Mayor Ryan Kennedy, Council President David Mackie, Council Member Sheri Hook, Planning Board Chair Peter Macholdt, Economic Development Committee Member Ethan Unick, and Former Council President Sky Morehouse — in encouraging residents to vote YES on the upcoming Hopewell Borough Water System referendum.

These residents agree that the referendum represents a fiscally responsible, common-sense plan to strengthen Hopewell’s finances, repair aging infrastructure, and improve water quality for residents and businesses. It also helps ensure that water service is affordable for ALL residents – with an immediate decrease in water rates and access to a bill paying assistance program.

The proposed sale of the Borough-owned water system to New Jersey American Water would generate $6.4 million in direct proceeds and fund $7 million in infrastructure repairs within the first five years — a $13.4 million total investment that would lower water bills, eliminate most Borough debt, and modernize the Borough’s water infrastructure.

The plan would reduce the average household’s water bill by approximately 36%, saving the typical family about $423 per year, while replacing all lead and galvanized steel service lines at no additional cost to homeowners. It also includes water bill assistance for low-income customers and addresses PFAS contamination in Well No. 4.

If the referendum fails, officials warn that the Borough will need to borrow millions of dollars to fund critical system repairs and meet regulatory requirements — leading to higher water rates and property taxes for residents and small businesses. A no vote would also delay the removal of both PFAS from the drinking water and lead service lines from customers’ homes.

The Hopewell Borough Water System referendum will appear on the November 4th ballot. Residents are encouraged to learn more about the proposal and its community-wide benefits before voting.
 

For more information, visit https://www.hopewellboro-nj.us/resources/water/ or https://www.voteyeshopewellwater.com/.

Contact:
Chelsea Kulp
Director of Communications and External Affairs
Chelsea.Kulp@amwater.com
New Jersey American Water